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Kung Fu star Carradine found hanged in Bangkok hotel room
Louise Jury, Chief Arts Correspondent04.06.09
David Carradine, star of Kung Fu and Kill Bill, has been found dead in a Bangkok hotel room. He is believed to have hanged himself.
The 72-year-old star was staying at the Park Nai Lert Hotel while filming a new movie, Stretch, in the Thai capital.
Police investigations were said to indicate he had hanged himself with a cord around his neck and body. There were conflicting reports over whether it was suicide. Chuck Binder, his personal manager, said the news was “shocking”, adding: “He was full of life, always wanting to work ... a great person.”
Michael Turner, a spokesman for the American Embassy, said Carradine died either late yesterday or early today.
He is survived by his wife, Annie Bierman, who he had married on Boxing Day 2004, and four children.
Carradine was born in 1936 into a notable acting family. His father was John Carradine, who appeared in many horror films and Westerns, and David was one of five brothers who all become actors.
He became famous in the Seventies for his role as “Grasshopper” Kwai Chang Caine, a Shaolin priest in the 1800s American West in television series Kung Fu.
After more than 100 movies with directors including Martin Scorsese and Ingmar Bergman, he was discovered by a new generation of fans in Quentin Tarantino's two Kill Bill films. He played Bill, leader of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad.
Reader views (9)
A great loss, and an inspiring actor. He will always be remembered as a gentleman.
- Clive Allen, Brighton, UK
good one gone but why????? for what reason. illness ???? or something else. shame great actor gone. R.I.P
- David Ralph, st austell uk
I am so shocked at this senseless, tragic loss of such a very talented actor.
This makes absolutely no sense as David had everything to live for, and so much to give...He will be Remembered Forever.
May God bring Comfort and Peace to his Family.
- Sunny, USA
Sorry to hear this, the Kung Fu prgrammes were a big part of my enjoyable childhood.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke
I used to love his Kung Fu fil,s and he always played the part well. R.I.P David.
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK
Never saw a film with him in a lead role that I didn't like. RIP.
- Rogan, Irving
How sad!
- Mel Barrows., Tenerife. Canary Islands.
Great lost great actor. May he rest in peace.
- R.Haze, Netherlands
I always remember him in the mini series North and South and of cause Kung Fu and throught he was a really good Actor.
My throughts and Prayers are with his family at this very sad time
- Yashim, London
